Visible-Light-Mediated Bimetal-Catalyzed meta -Alkylation of Arenes.

A mild approach to the visible-light-mediated bimetal-catalyzed meta -alkylation of arenes has been accomplished. The regioselective meta -alkylation is realized by a bimetallic ruthenium-palladium system. Ruthenium acts as a catalyst for the directing effect and as a photosensitizer, while the cocatalyst palladium behaves as a catalyst for the generation of fluoroalkyl radicals. This reaction not only is suitable for two-component meta -fluoroalkylation of arenes but can also be extended to three-component reactions to achieve bifunctionalization of olefins.